G20 energy meetings have opened in Houston, with the United States promoting an “energy abundance” agenda as the conflict between Washington and Iran disrupts global fuel markets, according to France 24.
The discussions are scheduled to continue through Wednesday in Texas. Delegations from major economies including China, India, Japan and Germany are expected to attend, alongside oil producers Canada and Saudi Arabia. Russian officials are also expected to participate, the report said.
Russia’s presence has caused tension at recent G20 gatherings. The unexpected attendance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at an earlier meeting drew criticism from European allies of Ukraine, who opposed the US decision to invite Moscow while efforts continued to exclude Russia over its war against its neighbour.
The Houston talks come as oil and gas prices rise because of the Middle East conflict. France 24 reported that Europe was struggling to fill gas-storage facilities ahead of winter, while Washington has identified affordable, reliable and secure energy as a priority during its G20 presidency.
The report said fuel supply had been sharply affected since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February. In the US, diesel had reached an average of $6.20 a gallon, a record high according to the American Automobile Association. Regular gasoline was reported to be 44 percent more expensive than before the war.
The fuel-price increases have added political pressure on President Donald Trump and his Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections. Trump has accused Iran of prolonging the conflict for political reasons and has also blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for contributing to a diesel shortage through strikes on Russian refineries.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected to attend the Houston meetings. The talks are intended to address energy access and security, but the report indicates that the war and its effects on supply and prices will shape the discussions.